Lamps come in all shapes and sizes, but the one thing they have in common is that most of them come in a single piece and are anchored to the ceiling, wall, or even the floor. While there’s definitely nothing wrong with that, there’s also room for improvement when it comes to simplifying not only the design but also their installation and maintenance. Many lamps involve complicated wiring or installing fixtures in places that can clutter the space, physically and visually. This intriguing lamp design solves that in a peculiar way that ends up making the lamp look like it’s floating in midair, creating an atmosphere of magic and mystery in any space it’s in.

Designer: Paul Cocksedge

The most critical part of a lamp is, of course, the light source, but many lamps also need a way to direct or diffuse the light to make it less blinding. While most designs have these pieces in a single form, there’s no rule they have to be on a single body. Shade, whose name might not reflect its mesmerizing appearance, deconstructs and separates the design of a lamp into its two most basic parts, creating what is probably the most minimalist lamp design of all.

When lit up, Shade looks like a white conical lampshade eerily floating in the air, almost like a stereotypical ghost. Of course, it’s not literally floating but suspended by “capillary-thin” wires that are practically invisible unless you see them up close. But that’s only half the magic because the lampshade itself doesn’t have a light source. Instead, that comes from a small, can-shaped directional spotlight shining upward into the lampshade, creating the illusion of a floating lamp.

In essence, Shade separates the lamp into the shade and the actual light source, and neither is physically connected to the other. More than just creating this bewildering sight, this design also simplifies the installation of the lamp. No need for complicated wiring since the lamp can be set anywhere on the floor where the shade can be hung. You can also place the lamp anywhere as well, though you might want to put it somewhere safe and hidden, just to heighten the sense of mystery.

The construction of Shade itself is pretty simple, with the lampshade made of soft yet durably Japanese paper. This material not only gives the shade an almost pure white surface but also gently diffuses the light to a soft glow. The crumpled paper also gives it a unique visual texture that creates a subtle play of light and shadows, enhancing the lamp’s distinctive appeal even when the lights are off.

The post Floating lamp illusion brings an air of mystery to your living space first appeared on Yanko Design.

Given how almost everyone has a smartphone these days, it’s not really surprising to see establishments and furniture adapting to the situation. Desks, tables, and even shelves have started to integrate charging solutions that make it convenient to top up a mobile device quickly without having to scramble for and fight over a power strip or wall socket. Unfortunately, many of these designs, particularly for tables, add some rather unsightly cables that can also be a safety hazard if not installed properly. This table, in contrast, lets you charge phones and tablets with ease while magically making those cables disappear to preserve the table’s minimalist beauty and avoid tripping people up when they have to move about.

Designer: Carl Magnusson

Tables with integrated charging solutions seem to fall into two extremes. On the one hand, you have regular tablets that have just been retrofitted with power strips and are often seen in public places like coffee shops or even libraries. On the opposite end of the spectrum, there is classier furniture that utilizes wireless charging technologies in order to make power sockets invisible, like the newer desks and shelves from the likes of IKEA. Both designs, however, require the table itself to still be plugged in regardless since it has to take all that power from somewhere.

In that regard, the MagPower Table is almost futuristic with its wireless functionality while still being completely rooted in present design trends with its extremely minimalist design. At first glance, it simply looks like a wooden table with a large circular top and wooden or aluminum legs, but closer inspection will reveal two USB-C slots and one full-sized USB-A slot for charging mobile devices. What makes this design almost mind-blowing is that there isn’t any cable snaking out from one of the table’s legs to connect to a nearby power outlet, making it seem like it’s using wireless charging technologies, at least for itself.

The secret behind this is the design of the table’s leg which can house a rechargeable battery that then powers connected devices. The battery can be removed at the end of the day and recharged separately before being reinstalled the next day. That said, the design also allows for a power brick to be plugged in directly, which has its own convenience, presuming you can live with the sight of that cable.

The MagPower Table’s minimalist aesthetic matches the goal of its design to offer a clutter-free space and enhance your productivity. Granted, it also raises questions about where a single battery is enough to charge several devices at the same time, but it’s certainly possible to expand the design and have all legs house a battery. This would help avoid competing for only three sockets, which will be the most likely scenario if these tables are used in office environments.

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The mobile phone market is a very aggressive one, so it’s no surprise that even big companies bow out eventually. Nokia raised the white flag after numerous failed attempts with both Windows Phone and Android. BlackBerry also closed shop after failing to find a profitable market for its QWERTY phones, while LG opted to focus on its other businesses other than mobile. Some brands, on the other hand, simply downsize their operations, like HTC mostly in China, and Sony only through online shops. Sharp, is part of this latter group, though its presence has been so small you’d hardly notice it still existed. In fact, it just announced its latest handset, and while the Sharp AQUOS R9 looks rather elegant in its simplicity, a single design element, unfortunately, mars its otherwise clean appearance.

Designer: Sharp

When it comes to minimalism, the two cultures that are considered to be the epitome of this style and lifestyle are Scandinavian and Japanese. In that regard, it shouldn’t be a surprise that Sharp’s new smartphone embodies minimalism almost to the extreme. It barely has any branding on the back of the phone aside from the small “AQUOS” and “LEICA” texts in the camera circle. With flat surfaces and edges, plain colors, and the lack of almost any embellishments, the Sharp AQUOS R9 is like a breath of fresh air in the smartphone market.

Unfortunately, it’s because of that very simplicity that your eyes are immediately drawn to the one conspicuous element on the phone’s back: its cameras. The design, while simple, looks a bit skewed, lopsided, and uncertain as if it can’t decide if it wants to be a square or a circle, the two predominant camera designs in the market today. Even more unbalanced, despite being an even number, are the camera lenses, positioned diagonally and off-center and with slightly different sizes. We’ll just have to take Leica’s unspoken word that this is the optimal placement for these cameras.

In terms of hardware, the Sharp AQUOS R9 looks quite competitive, at least on paper. It’s powered by a mid-range Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 processor with 12GB of RAM, with a large 5,000mAh battery to keep it running. The 6.5-inch Full HD screen boasts TV maker Sharp’s Pro IGZO OLED technology and is capable of 240Hz refresh rates. Those two odd cameras on its back both have 50MP sensors, and the front-facing camera for selfies and video calls has a similar 50MP hardware. As mentioned, Sharp is proudly flaunting LEICA’s brand, indicating how its imaging system has been approved by one of the biggest names in the optics industry.

There’s no word yet on how much the Sharp AQUOS R9 will cost or if it will even be available outside of Japan. It’s definitely an odd design choice, one whose elegant minimalism is juxtaposed with an asymmetrical camera bump. It’s not ugly, for sure, but it’s an appearance that looks a little confusing and disconcerting, creating a bit of a visual discomfort whenever you try to appreciate its clean looks.

The post Sharp still makes smartphones and its latest design is beautiful but a little off first appeared on Yanko Design.

Mother’s Day falls on 12th May, and it really is an incredible day, as we get a chance to celebrate our superhero moms! Although that is something we should do every day. But Mother’s Day is the day we get to pamper our moms and shower them with love, and also hopefully make their lives a little bit easier. If you’re looking to gift your mom with some thoughtful and wonderful presents, then we’ve got your back. We’ve curated a collection of minimal, elegant, and functional products that will easily fit into your Mom’s everyday life and make it a little easier this Mother’s Day!

1. Japanese Lantern Candle

Inspired by the traditional Japanese ‘chouchin’ lantern, this pretty Japanese lantern has an adorable pillar shape. It is essential for self-care sessions that your mother can indulge in this Mother’s Day, giving her a chance to unwind, letting the worries and stresses of life fade away for a bit. And the best part, you can continue using the lantern body even after the candle inside is used up, giving a warm glow whenever they light it up.

Click Here to Buy Now: $62 $69 (10% off). Hurry, Mother’s Day sale ends in 48 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

This pretty little candle offers a contemporary take on an age-old iconic Japanese lantern design. It gives a relaxing glow and has a minimalist and simple design ethos which lets it complement any living space. The candle is made by handcrafted artisans in Kurashiki, Japan.

What we like

• The outer wax of the candle is harder and comes with a patented tech that keeps it from melting easily, and crafting a clear body on the candle

What we dislike

• You need to be careful while using it around children and pets as an open flame is always a fire hazard

2. Pop-Up Book Vase

Convert your desk into a fairy tale scene using this lovely pop-up book vase. This new and elegant item can be opened to unveil a series of 3D vase cutouts, each cutout designed to present your floral arrangements in an enchanting and ever-changing manner. One design, multiple outputs – quite like our multi-tasking mom’s, isn’t it? The vase also folds back into a book and can be stored away easily, making it a must buy for every space – big or small.

Click Here to Buy Now: $39

Why is it noteworthy?

The book vase perfectly combines the timeless charm of a storybook with the utility of a flower vase, in turn forming a unique item that will bring some color and character to your desk, table, or wherever you place it. They’re the perfect Mother’s Day gift for your mother, letting her display her favorite flowers in style!

What we like

• Provides a unique and playful approach to showcasing flowers
• You can easily change the presentation

What we dislike

• It doesn’t have the durability of traditional vases
• Not a great option for heavy or water-filled arrangement

3. Jewelry Display Clock

Women and their jewelry are always inseparable – everyone I know of has that one iconic jewelry that they wear either everyday or keep it close by for any special occasion they have. In my opinion, jewelry is a women’s special talisman and I can bet our Mom’s have that one piece they want to keep safely in a proper home for that piece. This is where the Jewelry Clock comes in – allowing you to safely story your rings, bangles, necklace or even display your earrings as a pendulum by keeping the clock in your space. The design gives you time + a unique way to stay in touch with your personal belongings, giving you a chance to stop and stare before the day begins.

Click Here to Buy Now: $49.00

Why is it noteworthy?

The delicate tongs can be used by you to prepare lunch boxes or to even eat some sushi. There is really no wrong way to hold the tongs, and they’re designed to last a lifetime. The tongs possess a special metal processing which ensures that the jet black color doesn’t easily scratch off.

What we like

• Minimal design with a quartz movement for precision.
• Made from bioplastic that contains a large amount of rice husks

What we dislike

• The jewelry storing space is minimal, not allowing you store more than 3-4 pieces with ease.

4. Legacy Precision Nail File

Designed by Yoshida Yasuri, the Legacy Precision Nail File is made in Japan using meticulous craftsmanship. The file is manufactured through an intricate three-stage sharpening process, making sure it is not dull, but nor does it have sharp edges like typical factory-made nail files. It makes for a wonderful grooming little gift for your Mom that is minimal enough to keep it handy and stay with her through the ages. After all, who but Mom’s can appreciate the quality of a heritage product that is crafted with an eye for details.

Click Here to Buy Now: $26 $29 (10% off). Mother’s Day sale ends in 48 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

The thick stainless steel plate is shaped in all directions six times, on both sides of the nail file, to ensure it is fine, durable, and smooth.

What we like

• Guarantees lifelong durability
• Comes along with a handmade leather sheath to safely store when not in use

What we dislike

• The intricate craftsmanship and quality materials make these files a significant investment compared to standard alternatives.
• It does not have an entire nail care kit to go along with this.

5. Painless Key Ring

The Painless Key Ring lets you bid farewell to traditional key rings with its revolutionary wave spring key ring. It has a unique design that is inspired by the mechanisms used in the aerospace and automotive industries, providing you with a smooth and hassle-free solution to manage your keys. Especially as a Mom whose responsibilities are almost proportional to the number of eyes she carries, this key ring stores the keys easily, gives great access all while protecting her nails!

Click Here to Buy Now: $25

Why is it noteworthy?

This unique key ring organizes your keys using a high-tech and durable design that lets you secure your keys in an easily accessible manner. It has a lightweight and compact form which ensures your keys are always well organized and safe.

What we like

• Uses a wave spring technology for easy removal and addition of keys
• Cuts down the common struggle with tight or deformed key rings

What we dislike

• It is pricier than typical key rings due to its advanced design
• The individual key rings don’t have a color grading or any system to distinguish between the keys they hold

6. Moon Rocket Wall Clock

If your mom loves all things space, then you can gift her the Moon Rock Clock. This simple yet unique-looking clock brings outer space to your home. It is crafted from specially polished stainless steel and has a circular shape that manages to capture the mystique and beauty of the moon with numbers that float around the edges and all in a minimal package that blends into any existing space.

Click Here to Buy Now: $276 $325 ($50 off). Mother’s Day sale ends in 48 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

The numbers on the clock wane and wax just like the moon, creating a beautiful effect. The clock gives a gentle reminder to live life freely and with the spirit of adventure, in the same way, the rocket ship makes its way around the moon. This minimalist clock has a mesmerizing moon travel-inspired ethos.

What we like

• The printed numbers seem to float and merge into the surface of the moon
• The tiny rocket incorporated in the clock’s second hand is a beautiful, whimsical touch

What we dislike

• The seemingly floating numbers may make it difficult to read when the clock is wall mounted

7. Jewelvase Mirror Stand

Dubbed the Jewelvase Mirror Stand, this lovely little minimal mirror doubles up as an accessory stand or vase. It makes for a fantastic Mother’s Day gift for your mom! It features an elegant and simple design that adds loads of character to your dresser, or any surface where you place it – giving you a chance to observe yourself, share a floral design in the vase or keep your knick knack safe – all in one tiny minimal package!

Click Here to Buy Now: $59

Why is it noteworthy?

It has dual functionality, which allows it to serve as both a mirror and a vase/accessory stand. The stand is made from a bioplastic material, which includes rice husks. The mirror stand has a pretty decorative quality to it, and it functions as a stylish yet functional home decor accent.

What we like

• Elevates any dresser, table, desk, or furniture piece it is placed on

What we dislike

• The design cannot be folded/minimised and stored when not in use.

8. Battery-Free Aroma Diffuser

Called the Battery-Free Aroma Diffuser, this tiny product brings fresh air into your home, letting you take deep breaths and relax without causing any kind of harm to the environment. This unique diffuser harnesses the power of a single candle through the medium of simple physics and science. If de-stressing after a long day is the key to your Mom’s routine, this diffuser elevates the ritual, with every step of switching it on becoming a part of the wellness routine that is sure to bring joy.

Click Here to Buy Now: $249

Why is it noteworthy?

The diffuser is battery-free, and it doesn’t need any external power sources to operate. It is crafted from sustainable materials, giving it a pretty eco-friendly ethos.

What we like

• Made from recyclable materials
• Compatible with various kinds of essential oil

What we dislike

• Lacks electric controls, so it can be tough to adjust the intensity of the aroma

9. Rin Harmony Incense Holder

Called the Rin Harmony Incense Holder, this thoughtful little design allows you to enjoy the smokey and relaxing aroma of your chosen incense stick. It is the perfect Mother’s Day gift, letting your mom relax and calm down after a long day. It is made from natural walnut wood and has a storage space for the incense sticks as well.

Click Here to Buy Now: $199

Why is it noteworthy?

The brass plate functions as a safe space to hold the lit stick, and a matching cover lets you snuff out the flame, while also making sure that the ashes don’t fly around.

What we like

• Unique dual-functional design with a minimalist form that amplifies any setting.

What we dislike

• Only allows one incense to be lit at a time, making the reach of the aroma limited

10. Bookish Bookmark

Called the Bookish Bookmark, this beautiful, minimal product allows readers to enjoy a hands-free reading session, letting them keep their books open without having to use any awkward workarounds. With the Bookish Bookmark, you don’t need to put down the book with something heavy and ugly. The transparent design is perfect for anyone who loves to read books or follow cook books – always have your last read page ready to access and stay there in case of people meddling in your reading time!

Click Here to Buy Now: $65

Why is it noteworthy?

The bookmark is an excellent choice for those who want to display their favorite books as an element in their home. The bookmark has a clean transparent design, and it lets you keep your book open while adding a visually interesting element to your desk or bookshelf.

What we like

• The bookmark allows you to display your favorite books in an aesthetic and neat manner

What we dislike

• It might be too large for small books, and disliked by those who prefer discreet bookmarks

The post 10 Best Minimal Design Gifts to Easily Improve Your Mom’s Life This Mother’s Day first appeared on Yanko Design.

You’ve probably had your share of seeing articles, YouTube videos, and Instagram posts about beautifully crafted notebooks and journals. Despite the prevalence of smartphones, computers, and digital devices, there is still a very strong culture around paper notebooks and the tools that support their use. That said, notebooks aren’t the only medium for this kind of creative activity, and loose-leaf paper has some benefits as well, at least as long as you have a way of keeping them together or writing on them on a flat surface. This extremely simple clipboard offers that kind of experience for artists, architects, and engineers, and it even adds a feature you’ve probably never seen on any clipboard before.

Designer: Studio SHFT

Clipboards have been around for decades, maybe even centuries, but very few people actually give them a second thought. You’d usually see them in offices, store rooms, or even on the field to hold a few sheets of paper together, mostly checklists or forms to be filled while standing up. Unfortunately, that underestimates the utility of this tool, and this all-metal clipboard demonstrates how you can take advantage of its features with a few ingenious design details.

The most striking thing about the FOLD B is that it’s made from a single sheet of stainless steel. Although most clipboards are often made with plastic, cardboard, or even cork, a steel one isn’t at all unheard of yet extremely rare. Even rarer is the fact that it’s really just one flat sheet of metal, without even a clip to keep paper in place.

That function is instead delegated to two small cylindrical magnets that are strong enough to hold the paper down, though probably only a single sheet as well. The idea is to use the clipboard not as an organizer for loose-leaf paper but as a drawing board or canvas. You place a sheet of paper, “pin” it down with those two magnets, and start drawing, drafting, or writing to your heart’s content. The clipboard’s elevated rear drives home the fact that it’s really made for this kind of use case.

While it doesn’t have a paper clip, The one thing that does protrude from the top of the clipboard is a small rechargeable lamp. This assists the user to keep on working even in darker spaces, though it’s still better to have a properly lit environment anyway. This lamp is connected to the clipboard with screws, so it’s completely possible to remove it if you feel that it hinders rather than helps. Curiously, this built-in lighting also opens the design to more uses, like a guest book or a menu holder for restaurants.

The post Ultra-minimalist clipboard made from a sheet of metal has a built-in light first appeared on Yanko Design.

Inspiration can strike when you least expect it, but there are often places and events that can help get the creative juices flowing. The chatter of a lightly crowded cafe, the pause after attending a convention, or even simply moving from your desk to the couch can sometimes make you want to reach out for a sketchbook or even a digital canvas. The latter is fine if you have a tablet like an iPad, but if you prefer doing your designs on a computer, you’re a bit out of luck. Designers and artists these days need a certain degree of freedom and mobility, and Wacom is attempting to fill that need with a new product that isn’t just a screen you can draw on but also a beautiful computer monitor you can take anywhere you go.

Designer: Wacom

Wacom is like the Apple of the digital creative world, making products that let artists, designers, and engineers bring their ideas to life. Its Cintiq brand, in particular, has been the household name for years when it came to “pen displays” or screens you can draw on with a stylus. These have traditionally been as large as computer monitors, though there are now smaller options within the 13 to 16-inch range. While you can definitely shove the smallest Wacom Cintiq or One 12 inside a bag, their designs clearly shout that they’re really meant to be drawing tools more than anything else.

Wacom Movink’s biggest change might be technical, but it’s a technology that is allowing the brand to move in a slightly different direction from the rest of its pen displays. In a nutshell, it is Wacom’s first-ever OLED pen display, immediately setting itself apart from the LCDs of the rest of its portfolio. This gives it the advantage of being able to display richer and deeper blacks as well as a wider range of colors, which will help designs pop out better and be more color-accurate.

This OLED technology, however, also brings the advantage of making the Movink the thinnest and lightest of Wacom’s pen displays. It also has a sleeker design that looks more in line with portable monitors in the market today. Given that it does perform exactly like a portable OLED touch display, that’s not an inaccurate assessment. It still has thick bezels, but not as wide and egregious as on the Cintiq line. There’s also no rubber “bumper” around the edges, resulting in a simpler and more minimalist appearance.

Aside from the display upgrade, the Wacom Movink is functionally on par with the company’s other products. Where it really shines, however, is the newer and more modern design that makes it not only more portable but also more presentable. It’s not only a design tool made for designers but also one that designers will be proud to pull out of their bag and show off in public, empowering them to work on the go, whenever and wherever their muse calls.

The post Wacom Movink pen display ventures into the world of portable OLED monitors first appeared on Yanko Design.

Just like a table, the most basic requirements for a chair are quite simple. It needs to be strong and stable enough to actually sit on, but comfort and convenience seem to be more open to interpretation than any other design element. Some brutalist designs look a little painful to sit on, meeting only the bare minimum of a chair, while others let your body literally sink inside its plushy cushions and make it difficult to pull yourself out quickly. And then there are designs like this concept that espouse simplicity and minimalism to convey a sense of beauty, but the end result, while visually successful, also raises concerns about its actual usefulness and comfort.

Designer: Mauricio Coelho

A chair isn’t a simple form that can be expressed in a single shape. After all, there are a few interconnecting planes needed to give it legs and an actual seat. A backrest is common but not obligatory, and armrests are even more optional. The Oco chair concept comes close to that simplicity of form while still providing a visually interesting piece, and it accomplishes that by employing a shape you wouldn’t always associate with a chair.

Bowl-shaped chairs are uncommon probably for a reason. A hollow half-sphere might not be the most comfortable thing to sit in unless you fill that space with cushions like what the Oco chair does. With extremely thin planes for legs, the bowl almost looks like it’s floating in mid-air. Made using carbon steel and fiberglass, the chair brings structural stability while also providing some subtle material details, like the wood-like grains of the spherical body.

But while it is indeed a sight to behold, closer inspection might make you rethink the comfort it promises. The thick cushions do look plus, but they might not provide enough support for the person’s back. Or at the very least the back cushion doesn’t have enough height to support someone leaning back, forcing them to sit upright without proper support, straining their body over time.

The bowl’s edges are also left exposed, which could scratch, cut, or press on a person’s skin, especially on the back of the legs and forearms. A few slight modifications, like lining the edges with soft fabric or changing the angle of the bowl could help improve the ergonomics of the design without ruining the simple geometric beauty that this concept wishes to convey.

The post Bowl-shaped chair concept offers geometric beauty at the expense of ergonomics first appeared on Yanko Design.

Almost all tables have tops that are flat and horizontal mostly because of the function they serve. You wouldn’t want your glass to tilt over or your phone to slide down just because of an uneven or inclined surface, right? But as long as you are able to place things down on the table without having them wobble, fall, or roll off to the side, then the tabletop can almost be open to any design or shape. That seems to be the reasoning behind these fun-looking side tables that, at first glance, don’t look reliable or functional, at least until you realize that using them is almost like playing that educational game of fitting shapes inside the right holes.

Designer: Chien Yuoning

Many parents or even kids might be familiar with that toy where you have holes in a geometric shape and you’re supposed to drop matching geometric blocks inside them. This side table collection might immediately remind people of those toys and, unfortunately, might also give them the wrong impression of the practicality of such a design. Fortunately, it isn’t just a whimsical decision as these geometric holes can actually act as helpful organization aids in addition to being quite interesting to look at.

The Designated Table collection has geometric shapes like circles, squares, rectangles, and even pills cut out from the tabletop. While they might look like a loss in terms of usable space, they act as designated containers for things like glasses, phones, books, or whatnot. These compartments let you separate different things while also providing a bit of support to some extent. It’s harder for a glass to topple over if its area is constricted.

At the same time, the shapes add a playful character to the tables, especially since the shapes have a different color from the natural finish of the rest of the wooden table. The tables themselves come in different shapes, including a hexagon and a half circle, doubling the fun factor of each side table. That, however, also determines where some of these side tables can be placed, like the hexagon-shaped side table making a poor fit for a nightstand or anywhere the table needs to be flush against a flat surface like a wall, a couch, or a bed.

Another interesting aspect of the Designated Table’s design is that the legs follow the shape and orientation of those seemingly random shapes. That makes it feel like the wooden legs flow from these geometric indentations or vice versa, giving the tables an almost whimsical flavor that doesn’t sacrifice their stability. The gaps between the legs can even become a place for magazines, taking advantage of the narrow space. The geometric design of the Designated Table feels jovial and delightful but still makes the side tables completely functional and, perhaps, even more effective in keeping your things in their proper places.

The post Quirky wooden side tables bring delight with geometric holes like a kid’s game first appeared on Yanko Design.

Desk trays are an indispensable part of any organization system, and their designs vary wildly to meet different needs and aesthetic tastes. While wooden desk accessories are not uncommon, the most standard materials used for these products are often virgin plastics that, given the volume of their use, spell trouble for the planet. Fortunately, a few designs nowadays do try to utilize recycled or even upcycled materials to ease the burden on the environment, but good design doesn’t have to stop there. This concept, for example, seems to check all the right boxes by offering not only a sustainable solution with a beautiful minimalist design but also one that lets you combine pieces as you see fit or use them solo in different places as needed.

Designers: Hoyeon Shin, Seokhyoun Han, Joae Kim, Yeongha Kim, Zoae Kim for Haus Bari

Truth be told, this design is actually four separate products sharing a similar DNA. One design, however, can’t meet all the needs of all users, so rather than make a monolithic product that wastes space and materials, this series of trays simply offers four unique designs that can be used for a variety of purposes, including in places that don’t involve work tables and stationery.

All four pieces share the same thin square platform, but that’s pretty much where the similarities end. One “block”, for example, has a fixed cylinder that can be used for holding writing instruments, tools, or maybe even flowers. Another has a circular indentation that invites you to place a mug or glass on it, though it can also fit small items such as an AirPods charging case. The tray with a wavy surface can be a bed for pens and pencils without having them jumbled up together. The fourth member has a simple flat surface, but flip it over and you will behold the Bari branding underneath. It can also function as another coaster thanks to that circular groove again.

The trays use diatomaceous earth, a sustainable material that is gaining popularity among product designers. It also gives the tray a textured appearance that resembles rough, unpolished stone, making the minimalist products look a little more visually interesting. It also makes it possible to place wet or damp objects on top of the tray, such as sponges or even soap, thanks to the material’s moisture resistance and self-drying properties.

Although each of these trays functions as an independent unit, you can also combine them as a single organization system where you have free reign over how they are arranged. You can have them for a line, put them in a grid, or spread them out all over the desk. Of course, you’re not limited to just one of each piece, either, and can form an army of trays and containers ready to keep your mess at bay. It’s an admittedly simple solution to desk and life organization, but one that offers beauty and flexibility in a package that tries to reduce its negative impact on the environment.

The post Sustainable and minimalist desk tray collection lets you mix and match to your needs first appeared on Yanko Design.

Water dispensers are essential and well, indespensable, for any office or even homes (if you don’t have a water filtering system). But a lot of times, these dispensers are just functional and a clunky fixture in our kitchens or pantries. We don’t really look for a pretty or well-designed one since we just need it to give us clean water to drink. One challenge though is that you have to walk to and from it several times a day and that those water jugs are pretty hard to replace or refill.

Designer: Lee Yi Chung for Square Design Works

The Metapure Desktop Water Dispenser is a concept for a well-designed dispenser that can actually be stored on your desk, dining table, or your meeting table. It looks like a combination of a coffee maker and a printer’s ink refilling system. The machine itself is minimalist looking and with various controls built in so you can adjust the temperature so the water can fit in with your needs, whether you want it cold or hot or anything in between.

The refilling of water dispensers can sometimes be challenging so for this concept, they thought of something that would be pretty easy and can be done by anyone. You can just put the water inside the device (similar to some coffee makers and coffee capsule machines) and then there is a filter box placed inside. The filters look like those ink cartridges that you use for printers so we assume that taking them out and replacing them is also pretty easy.

If you’re using different kinds of cups and bottles, you will also be able to adjust the tray for these different accessories so there will be no water splashing. As a concept, this one is pretty interesting and is also good looking so you won’t need to hide it in the pantry. As someone who struggles with water dispensers, this is something I will be interested in if it eventually gets made into an actual product.

The post Minimalist water dispenser concept sits on your desk or table for easy access first appeared on Yanko Design.